CNC router
CNC router nesting software, online
Nestpact nests parts for CNC routers straight from a DXF in your browser. Sheet goods like plywood, MDF, melamine and hardwood are sold by the full 4x8, so the number that pays your shop back is how many parts come off each sheet — and a true-shape optimizer turns offcut into finished parts.
Pack the layout, add holding tabs so cut parts do not shift into the bit, lock rotation to keep the grain, then export a clean DXF for your CAM or generate router G-code directly with plunge, stepdown passes and spindle control.
Work in millimetres or inches, on anything from a small blank to a full 4ft x 8ft (4x8) bed. It runs in the browser with nothing to install, and there is a free plan.
- True-shape nesting so curved and irregular parts interlock, not just rectangles
- Holding tabs / micro-joints so parts stay put until the cut finishes
- Router (mill) G-code with plunge, retract over tabs, and stepdown passes
- Spindle RPM and work-offset selection (G54-G59 / G92) on export
- Grain-aware rotation locking for directional plywood and hardwood
- Multi-sheet overflow with per-sheet quantity tracking, DXF or G-code out
Why yield is the whole game for sheet goods
A 4x8 of cabinet-grade ply or MDF is a fixed cost whether you cut six parts from it or sixteen. The metric that matters is utilization: how much of the sheet leaves as finished parts instead of drop. Because router parts are often large and rectangular-ish, hand layouts leave surprising amounts of reusable area on the table.
Nestpact compares several sorting and packing strategies on each run and keeps the densest, then runs a compaction pass that nudges parts together. On mixed cabinet and panel jobs that routinely beats eyeballing the layout in CAD.
Holding tabs so parts do not move
On a router, a part that breaks free mid-cut can ruin the part, the bit, or both. Nestpact adds holding tabs (micro-joints) on the outer profile so each part stays bridged to the sheet until you snap it out by hand. Set how many tabs per part and how wide, and the G-code lifts the bit cleanly over every bridge.
Router G-code with real Z moves
Turn on router mode and Nestpact emits a 3D toolpath, not just a flat outline: a plunge to cut depth, retract to safe Z over each tab bridge, optional stepdown passes for thick stock, spindle start at your RPM, and your chosen work offset. Lead-in and lead-out keep entry marks off the finished edge.
Cut depth must sit below safe Z (the app and backend both refuse an inverted Z that would drive the bit down on every retract).
Keep the grain, keep the look
Veneered ply and hardwood have a visible grain you usually want running the same way across a job. Lock rotation to 0 and 180 degrees and Nestpact still packs efficiently while every part keeps its grain direction. For paint-grade MDF, open rotation up to chase maximum density instead.
Clean DXF in, clean cut path out
Upload your parts DXF (the built-in DXF health checker can close open contours and strip stray entities first if needed), set quantities, and nest. Accept the layout and download a DXF for your CAM, or generate router G-code with tabs, stepdown and lead-in/out ready for the controller.
Recommended starting settings
A sensible starting point for plywood and MDF on a 4x8 router. Adjust to your bit diameter and material.
Leave room for the full bit width plus a little clearance between cuts.
Keeps cuts off the sheet edge and clear of hold-downs or the spoilboard screws.
Lock to grain for veneered stock; open it up for paint-grade MDF.
Enough small bridges to hold the part flat until the cut completes.
Frequently asked questions
Does it generate router G-code with Z moves?
Yes. Router mode emits plunge to cut depth, retract to safe Z over holding tabs, optional stepdown passes for thick stock, spindle RPM and a work offset (G54-G59 or G92), plus lead-in/out. You can also just download an optimized DXF for your own CAM.
Can it keep parts aligned to wood grain?
Yes. Restrict rotation to 0/180 degrees and the nest respects grain or directional veneer while still packing efficiently. For non-directional material, allow free rotation for the densest layout.
Does it add tabs so parts do not shift?
Yes. Set the number of holding tabs per part and their width; Nestpact bridges each part to the sheet and lifts the bit over every tab in the G-code so nothing breaks free mid-cut.
Is CNC router nesting free?
Nestpact has a free plan that includes router nesting, multi-sheet layouts and DXF export. No install; try a nest without signing up, then create a free account to keep nesting.